Requiem for a Dress

I was so ecstatic when I bought this dress. It looked just like an original vintage dress I had been eyeing off on Etsy. The embroidery was beautiful, the fabric was soft and so comfortable to wear. I loved everything about it. I imagined all of the happy memories this dress and I would have, and I was determined to give it a long and happy life where it would be appreciated and worn often. Such was my love for this dress, that I waded knee deep into this idyllic orange orchard, which was very likely full of snakes, to get photos in a spot that I felt complimented the dress best.

This next part is a bit difficult to write, bare with me. Last night, as I was digging for a pair of pajamas through the clean laundry pile, I suddenly felt my blood run cold. I stared in shock at the rag I held in my hand. At first, it was completely unrecognizable. A twisted piece of cloth with colorful lose threads. My dress. This dress. Or rather, that is what it had been but had long ceased to be. I probably should have prefaced this with the following; I never put my clothes in the washing machine. Like many other wearers of vintage and repro will likely agree – the washing machine is where good clothing goes to die.

Now that doesn’t mean I wash everything by hand, no. The washing machine is for things that don’t matter and can be replaced. Generally things that are sturdy and can take a thrashing, such as towels and linen or Hugh’s clothes. Not delicate dresses. Never for anything you may see on the blog. I am pedantic about adhering to instructions that come on clothing labels. My belief is, I made the commitment to purchasing the item – why would I want to destroy it? To me that is wasteful and foolish, I like my things to last and to remain in the same condition as possible to when they were bought. If it says dry clean, then yes I will. Hand wash? Not a problem.

When it comes to doing laundry in our household, I take care of my clothing, and Hugh does the general stuff. There is a very explicit rule, which is; don’t touch my clothes. Never, ever put my clothes in the washing machine. Ever. I went back to work the day after we came back from our holiday and hadn’t had a chance to unpack the suitcase that had this dress, and all of the others I took with me in it. On my way out that morning I reminded Hugh to make sure to leave my clothes alone if he was going to unpack, and I didn’t give it a second thought.

In Hugh’s defense – the dress apparently looked like one of his t-shirts. In my defense, last time I checked, pink embroidered posies were not his style…And so that is the tragic tale of how this very loved dress met its demise and ended up going through the wash. Of course the dress has long since sold out and is no longer available, typical. At least I will always have these photos to remember it by…

Comments

Awwww, nooooooo!!! I’ve had similar mishaps in my household, and I just had to repeat to myself, “People are more important than things. My relationship with my husband is more important than a dress.” And take a moment to chill and collect myself, haha!

Oh no, I really feel for you! And Hugh!! I separate out my delicates and put them in a separate basket for my attention only, but the same thing happened to me after a trip where a delicate dress got caught up with my husband’s shirts and stuck through a main wash. Luckily it survived, but I am more careful now. I admit I only handwash very, very delicate and old items, the rest get put in a garment bag and washed on a ‘handwash’ machine cycle with delicate detergent. I actually chose the washing machine based on its ability to do very delicate washes. What lovely photos to remember your dress by x

Oh nooooo! I’m so sorry, that’s terrible news. But of course he didn’t mean to do it, and I’m sure that he’ll find some way to make it up to you. But you do have a gorgeous set of photos to remember it by, if that’s any consolation. Here’s to many more beautiful, 20s style dresses in the future!

That’s so sad! I hate it when clothes get wrecked, as you got them because you loved them in the first place, right? It is a beautiful dress- I hope you can find something similar to replace it with.The Artyologist

Awww, no! So sorry to hear that happened to your pretty dress. I hate when something like that happens or I end up accidentally staining something…usually a white skirt or dress that is brand new. It’s just the worst.

Nooooooo! That’s so sad! Poor dress 🙁 the fact he really didn’t mean it I’m sure doesn’t help a lot 😉 at least you’ll always have these lovely photos (and the more interesting ones from this set ;D). I totally get it though – if B destroyed my dog dress the wedding would probably be off!!

Ah yikes, but I think we all have been there? I do wash all my clothes handwash cold, with a “free and clear” detergent, in a garment bag and hang to dry. vintage and repro alike. Ive never had a problem until the roommate put a lode in the dryer, one that happened to have a vintage beaded dress in it. It ripped in three places….its not pretty, it can probably be repaired, but still, I have not yet. It pains me to look at it in all honesty.

Awww that’s such a shame about your dress! The embroidery on it was so pretty! I guess at least it was an honest mistake, but it still would hurt to love a dress so much and have it destroyed. 🙁 Maybe you can still find that one you were eyeing up on Etsy?

That is such a shame, it really was a lovely dress. I do pretty much all the laundry but I have still done this to myself. Not completely ruined anything, but certainly a few have been the worse off for it.

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A vintage lover from Brisbane. I am passionately nostalgic for decades before my time. I enjoy recreating looks inspired by the past wearing both vintage and vintage reproduction clothing. My blog focuses on the styles of the art deco period and features both authentic vintage pieces from the 1920s, 30s & 40s, as well as modern reproductions of clothing from these eras. My blog explores creating modern every day looks with vintage elements. If you would like to say hello get in touch with me through harlow@harlowdarling.com.